Crossword Genius

Raised objections to ashtray item (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stub

'ashtray item' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'raised objections' is the wordplay.
'raised' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (going up in a down clue).
'objections' becomes 'buts' (as in 'no ifs, no buts').
'buts' in reverse letter order is 'STUB'.

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for stub that I've seen before include "Tooth remnant" , "evidence of smoking, for example" , "Broken-off end" , "Extinguish the cigarette on a counterfoil" , "Returned part of a ticket" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app